California pledges to open 7% of its land and waters to Indigenous tribes

California has pledged to open 7% of its land and waters to Indigenous tribes, marking a significant step towards rectifying historical injustices. This new policy aims to heal the wounds inflicted by the state's past actions, which included restricting access to ancestral homelands and criminalizing traditional cultural and land management practices. By granting tribes greater control over these areas, California seeks to foster cultural revitalization, promote sustainable land stewardship, and acknowledge the vital role Indigenous communities play in preserving the state's natural heritage.